Go Play!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The fact that you are too big to be allowed in the McDonald’s PlayPlace doesn’t mean you are too big to play. Nowadays we get swept away in a torrent of responsibilities, longing for the days of our youth while forgetting play made our childhoods fun. Here are some great ways to play at any age.
Go Climb
Rhode Island Rock Gym
Climbing at the Rhode Island Rock Gym gives a new meaning to the phrase “upward mobility.” The gym offers options for people of all ages and abilities, welcoming beginners and the experienced alike. This location is a rock-solid choice for a one-time climb or if you intend to make it a habit.
10 am-midnight, 100 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, 727-1704, www.rhodeislandrockgym.com, day pass $24 with gear rental or $16 without it, many packages are available.
Go Play Tennis
International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum
It is rare enough to find a quality grass court on which to play, but when that court is surrounded by the memories and memorabilia of the game's greats it’s too good to pass up. Grab some friends, call and reserve a court, and enjoy hitting the ball back and forth where the legends of the game are enshrined.
9:30 am-5 pm, 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, reservations 849-6672, www.tennisfame.com, between $90 and $340 depending on numbers and duration.
Go Play Pool
Snooker’s, Corner Pocket RI, Dave and Buster’s
It’s always fun saying, “Eight-ball, corner pocket,” and best when you don’t have to dig deep into your pocket to do it. You'll find an authentic pool-hall feel at both Snookers in Providence and Corner Pocket in Johnston. For a novel atmosphere for a game of pool, check out Dave and Buster’s at the Providence Place Mall. In between shots, listen for the sounds of joyful kids grabbing tickets, high score bells ringing, and the classic video game taunt, game over.
Snooker’s Sun-Thurs 11:30 am-1 am, Fri & Sat 11:30am-2am, 53 Ashburton St., Providence, 351-7665, www.snookersri.com, Corner Pocket RI 4 pm-1 am (Fri 3 pm-1 am), 1428 Hartford Ave., Johnston, 383-9889, www.cornerpocketri.com, Dave and Buster’s Sun-Wed 11:30 am-11 pm, Thurs 11:30am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-1 am, Providence Place, 270-4555, www.daveandbusters.com.
Go Race
Slot Car Emporium
If you have a need for speed that you would like to satisfy without burning through gas like Jeff Gordon, a trip to Slot Car Emporium is in order. Slot cars, the four-inch model cars that zip around the track, are available for rental or purchase. Racing on Thursdays provides an opportunity to let the competitive juices flow, but also to meet others with “the need.” Racing Thurs 6:45 pm, 704 East Ave., Warwick, 822-4114, http://slotcaremporium.com, $5 entry fee.
Go Bike
Arcadia, Lincoln Woods, Narragansett Wheelmen
Few things are this pure and simple these days. Arcadia boasts more than 14,000 acres and trails that cover a good chunk of the area. Similarly, Lincoln Woods is another state park that welcomes bikers. Just make sure to stay in Zone B (see the map on the park website) so you avoid biking into a horse! For more structure, try riding with the Narragansett Wheelmen. The group rides in Rhode Island as well as Connecticut and charges a small fee for membership in exchange for the camaraderie and planning of other biking enthusiasts.
Arcadia Management Area 5 am to sunset, Richmond , Exeter, Hopkinton, and West Greenwich, 539-2356, www.riparks.com/arcadia.htm, free admission Lincoln Woods sunrise to sunset, 2 Manchester Print Works Rd., Lincoln, 723-7892, www.riparks.com/lincoln.htm, free admission Narragansett Wheelmen See website for ride times and locations, www.nbwclub.org , one-year membership $15, [email protected].
Go Sail
Community Boating Center
Historically, sailing hasn’t been the most accessible of activities but the Community Boating Center has steered toward changing that since its founding in 1994. This non-profit group at India Point Park in Providence continues to open doors by offering reasonable prices for youth and adult sailing lessons. It might finally be time that you set sail.
Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm seasonally, 109 India St. (India Point Park) Providence, 454-SAIL (7245), www.communityboating.com, $195 for an adult yearlong pass, other packages exist and one of multiple discounts may apply.
Go Saddle Up
Sunset Stables at Lincoln Woods
You’ve seen John Wayne do it, now it's your turn. Sunset Stables has the instructors that will help you enjoy a calm ride through the great outdoors and finish the ride on the horse's back instead of your own.
9 am-5 pm daily, 1 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, 722-3033, www.sunsetstablesri.com, one-hour trail ride $30 per person, $35 for a half-hour private lesson.
Go Hit
Ken Ryan’s Baseball Academy, Extra Innings
Hitting the batting cages for a few swings is never a bad option, and depending on how you fare, you may even come out with more sympathy for your favorite pros. Ken Ryan’s baseball academy in Pawtucket and Extra Innings in Warwick both have plenty of space for you to go in and take a few swings.
Ken Ryan’s Baseball Academy Mon-Fri 2 pm-8 pm, 413 Central Ave., Pawtucket, 724-7555, http://krbaseball.com, prices vary but it is possible to get a good amount of hitting in for $5-$10 Extra Innings Mon-Fri noon-10 pm, Sat & Sun 9 am-8 pm, 69 Illinois Ave., Unit 2, Warwick, 737-3100, www.extrainnings-warwick.com.
Go Curl
Ocean State Curling Club
The Olympics have brought curling into the spotlight, and for potential 2014 contenders Ocean State Curling Club is the place to give it a shot. Don’t worry if your broom at home isn’t made for sweeping ice, the club provides all necessary equipment. (Don't delay-- membership caps at 80).
Saturdays at Cabot/Harmon Ice Center, St. George's School, 372 Purgatory Rd., Middletown, 354-2232, www.oceanstatecurling.com.
